Brothers Andres and Uriel Reyes Botello are natives of Tijuana, Mexico and co-founders of Boxel Animation, a 3D CGI studio based in their home town. They spent a day in January with the students of ASF sharing the motivation and inspiration that propelled them to start their own animation company. They encouraged the students to follow their dreams and work hard. They advised them to be proactive, positive initiators of change for themselves and for their own community. So heartwarming to hear the mission of ASF resonate with these young entrepreneurs. Bravo Boxel! Thank you for leading the way and supporting the youth of Tijuana. www.boxelanimation.com

ASF launched the new year with seven students attending World Link’s 19th annual Youth Town Meeting held at the University of San Diego. The conference brings together “high school students from San Diego, Baja Mexico and around the world to consider global concerns from a local perspective”.

The event promotes the goals of ASF to encourage cross cultural exchanges between students in the San Diego/Tijuana region. Students learn about world affairs and have the opportunity to consider global citizenship and explore means of responsible local participation. The ASF students came back from the event energized and empowered.

Lani said, “I learned that it is really important for youth to be involved in their community and the world around them. Youth can contribute to a successful future”.

Happy Holidays to You and your loved ones from the students and staff of ASF! Spread the happiness and hope of the season and please consider making an end of the year tax-deductible contribution. Your donation will ensure that our students continue to benefit from the support and guidance ASF provides.

Celebrating another school year well done! Pool party!

Advancing Students Forward were featured on the KPBS nightly news program this week. They profiled the community mural ASF students painted together with guidance from Mexican muralist Enrique Chiu.

This project is the culmination of EDUCARTE, our 2 year enrichment program for students of Advancing Students Forward. The mural is on the wall of a Tijuana elementary school across from the Community Center where ASF congregates. It covers the entire city block. The project brought joy and pride to the students who were happy to share their messages of hope and to have a positive impact on their community.

Here are some photos of the finished product, and the students at work:

It was very heartwarming to see the interaction between students and their parents at our last family workshop. Family members worked together to identify the values that were most important to them as a family unit. Each family went home with a poster they created together illustrating the values they strive for.

Head over to our Facebook page for complete post and more photos from this amazing day.

Students enjoyed the beautiful campus of USD while attending the World Link Annual Youth Town Meeting with 700 other students from Tijuana, Mexico and San Diego, California.

Each year, more than 700 high school students participate in WorldLink’s Youth Town Meeting (YTM), where they meet with representatives from public and private organizations. YTMs are grounded in the belief that youth have much to offer and much to gain from discussion with experts and professionals regarding the complexities and challenges of international affairs.